Community Forums

Hailguy · 07-14-2013, 02:14 PM

My wife and I have been living full time in a 36 foot Class A for 2 years. We are no longer going to live full time in an Rv. We will work and travel from now on for 5-6 months in the spring and summer. We are considering downsizing into a Class c. What advice or cautions come to mind? Are class c's 30 or 50 amp? a 30 amp power 2 ac's? Are they easier to steer and drive as my wife hated driving our class a? Is gas mileage any better? My 26000 pound Triton based A gets 7-8 mpg. What does an average 30 ft class c weigh? Avg. gas tank capacity for a class c? Thanx....

GaryKD · 07-14-2013, 02:47 PM

Hi Hailguy,
Welcome to iRV2. Most of the questions you ask are dependent on brand and model of coach. You'll need to look at the brochure. If your class A is 26K in weight you may save 5 to 10K in weight with a class c coach. Once again it just depends on the brand and model. For me Cs or As, they are the same to drive. I have found the overhang from the rear wheels to the rear bumper to be of more concern with a C than an A. This may be because of the Cs shorter wheelbase. Down sizing is difficult. Everything is smaller.

bdickson · 07-14-2013, 02:53 PM

I agree with GaryKD's comments. Also, most Class C's will be 30 amp with one AC. As for gas mileage, we've owned a 30 foot 16,000lb and now a 38 foot 22,000lb Class A, both with the Ford 6.8L engine. Gas mileage on both averages around 7 to 7.5 mpg. I'd say if you like your Class A, stick with it.

jesilvas · 07-14-2013, 02:54 PM

As far as power ratings, some are 50A, some are 30A. Usually anymore, 30A is one AC, 50A is two ACs.

historyljc · 07-14-2013, 05:51 PM

Hailguy, take the advice of the above and then go look at and drive some C's that you think you might like. My guess is that you're going to feel cramped. While you're at it, scope out the 28' Tiffin Breeze. Shorter length, but still pretty much Class A room inside. Plus it's a DP with air ride.

sdennislee · 07-14-2013, 06:08 PM

I have a 2009 40" Class A and a 2009 31' Class C.
THe class C seats are like sitting on wooden bleacher seats compared to the class A. This is the main reason I upgraded. Both handle well, class has more parking options.

Class C: sleeps more, much less storage space inside and out, 1 to 1.5 more miles to the gallon. Dinky refer, smaller TV, smaller bathroom, shorter wheelbase so rougher ride, cheaper to maintain, insurance costs less

Class A: storage space to spare inside and out, full size refer, 2 couches, fireplace, washer/dryer, bigger kitchen, far less road/engine noise.

Plus what GaryKD said.

zekegb · 07-15-2013, 09:42 AM

Looking for a smaller unit with big rig space and features? Consider a Monaco Safari Trek. The bed is in the ceiling of the living room and comes down for use during the night, out of the way during the day. It gives us the living space of a 38 foot coach in a 29 foot package. Why tow 9 feet of space for a bed?

If you can live with the bed, this is a great option. Easy to drive and maneuver. Full size bathroom and lots of storage and a quality coach. USFS campgrounds and state parks are great for us.